Cedar Revolution

Cedar Revolution has become the Western media's most commonly used name for the chain of demonstrations and popular civic action in Lebanon (mainly Beirut) triggered by the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on February 14, 2005.

Related Topics:
Lebanon - Beirut - Assassin - Rafik Hariri - February 14 - 2005

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The primary goal of the original activists was the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon and an end to what the demonstrators considered undue influence by Syria on Lebanese politics. During the period of the first wave of demonstrations, Syria had been maintaining a force of roughly 14,000 soldiers and intelligence agents in Lebanon http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4322477.stm. Following the demonstrations, the Syrian troops withdrew from Lebanon by April 30. The Pro-Syrian government was also disbanded, accomplishing the main goal of the revolution. (For background information on Syria's involvement in Lebanese politics, see the articles History of Lebanon, Lebanese Civil War, and Syrian presence in Lebanon)

Related Topics:
Syria - April 30 - History of Lebanon - Lebanese Civil War - Syrian presence in Lebanon

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The opposition has taken, as its symbol, the white and red scarf, and the pro-Hariri blue ribbon. Popular mottos of the movement were Horryeh, Syedeh, Este'lel (Freedom, Sovereignty, Independence), and Ha'i'a, Horryeh, Wehdeh watanieh (Truth, Freedom, National unity).

Related Topics:
Motto - Freedom - Sovereignty - Independence - Truth

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